The Malayans are a makkathayam caste, found in North Malabar, their name, signifying hill-men, They are divided into nine exogamous illams, five of which have the names Kotukudi, Velupa, Cheni, Palankudi, and Kalliath.

The men do not shave their heads, but allow the hair to grow long, and either part it in the middle, or tie it into a knot behind, like the castes of the east coast, or tie it in a knot in front in the genuine Malayali fashion.

THE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OF THE CASTE IS THE EXORCISM, WHICH THEY PERFORM BY VARIOUS METHODS.

If any one is considered to be possessed by demons, it is usual, after consulting the astrologer in order to detect what MURTI or demon is causing the trouble, to call in the Malayan, who performs a ceremony known as TIYATTAM , in which they WEAR MASKS, and, so disguised, sing, dance, tom-tom, and play on a rude and strident pipe.

Like the Nalkes and Paravas of South Canara, the Malayans exorcise various kinds of devils, with appropriate disguises.

The exorcism consists in drawing complicated designs of squares, circles, and triangles, on the ground with white,black, and yellow flour. While the man who has assumed the disguise dances about to the accompaniment of drums, songs are sung by Malayan men and women.